Gold Company II

Michael Wheaton, Director

GOLD COMPANY II (GC II) is one of two Vocal Jazz ensembles at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, and one of nine vocal ensembles in the School of Music. GC II performs in every style from vocal jazz and show tunes to the hits of today. Initiated in 1983 by WMU music faculty member and Gold Company director Dr. Stephen Zegree, GC II is directed by Michael Wheaton, a Western Michigan University graduate and former member of Gold Company and GC II.

The ensemble maintains an active performance schedule on and off the WMU campus. GCII has appeared at the International Association for Jazz Education conference, the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Festival in Newport News, Virginia. and has toured Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

In addition to his duties as director of GCII, Mr. Wheaton is also a music teacher in the Webberville Community Schools. Mr. Wheaton served as the State Chair of Vocal Jazz and Show Choirs for the Missouri American Choral Directors Association and has been an active clinician and adjudicator in Missouri, Kansas, and Michigan. He has taught music for grades K–12, and his high school jazz ensemble performed at the Missouri State Choir Convention. He is the Executive Director of the Steve Zegree Vocal Jazz Camp.